The Dover Chamber of Commerce presented its Citizen of the Year award to Wesley Roach on Jan. 21, citing his volunteerism and long-term involvement in the Dover community.

Roach, 64, was born southeast of Dover on Slab Town Road. Since, he has only spent four or five years outside the area.

“I’m not going anywhere,” Roach said. “At least not willingly.”

Roach married his wife, the former Janie McClaren, and joined the National Guard in 1968. He served in the Guard for 21 years.

Roach and his wife have two children together — Brian, 37, of Russellville, and Jason, 40, of Dover.

Roach was instrumental in building the Lovelady Baseball Complex and the Dover Library, sitting on boards that helped with planning both projects.

“That serves both the youth in the summer program and the library serves all ages, and I think that’s one of my main accomplishments,” Roach said.

Roach also praised work that has been done on the ballpark since he helped build it.

“I go to the park up there a few times a year and I walk around and reminisce of what it was when we first started and the work that went on since we built that, and the things people who become behind us did and where they headed and expanded things,” he said. “My hat is off to them, because they took what we started and built on it. And I think that’s what it’s all about.”

Roach is a trustee at the Dover United Methodist Church and through the church is also involved in the Wesley Foundation at Arkansas Tech University.

“It’s a good organization,” he said. “They help a lot of kids get through school.”

He is also a charter member of the Dover Lions Club, where he has served as president and plans to continue his work in the organization after he retires in June.

“I’m still an active member in the Lions Club and will be for years to come,” he said.

Roach, who is the maintenance supervisor for the Russellville School District, said he plans to travel with his wife after retirement.

“My wife and I would like to travel a little bit, and enjoy some times we haven’t been able to enjoy because time restrictions,” he said. “I like the outdoors, and I like to mess with cattle, and that’s probably the way I’ll spend my time. And doing work in the community as it comes up.”

Roach described winning the award as “very humbling.”

“I’m not an ideal person. I’d rather work in the background to help things get done. I don’t need to be the one out front and getting accolades and all that,” he said.

Roach was presented the award at the annual banquet where the Dover Area Chamber of Commerce Member of the Year and Honorary Lifetime Chamber Member awards were presented to Randy LaMar and Lee Alewine, respectively.

“(Roach) truly exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism which we value so highly in this community,” Alan Boatright, chamber member and master of ceremonies for the banquet, said.

Roach said he plans to continue his contributions to the community after retirement.

“You’ve got young people who are moving into leadership positions in city government and all organizations, and new ideals and new things that’ll be coming forward, and anyway that I can help them accomplish their goals, I’ll be more than glad to step up and help do whatever I can.”